Fogo Island men convicted for fisheries violations

Two men from the Fogo Island community of Stag Harbour, convicted for illegally fishing Atlantic salmon, are also prohibited from being on coastal waters.

According to a Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) news release, Perry Coish and Gilbert James Cull were convicted March 5 for fishing outside the permitted season to catch the species. Coish was also convicted for obstructing a fisheries officer.

In addition to the two-year prohibition orders, Coish was forced to forfeit several items, including a salmon net and seven fish, and must pay at $3,500 fine. Cull was fined $2,500.

DFO is asking anyone who notices suspicious fishing activity to contact a local Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.nlcrimestoppers.com.